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- 24-Form Tai Chi
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This is the shortest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about six minutes to complete. Tai chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class you will learn all 24 forms and by the end be able to join other groups wherever you go.
This class meets twice a week.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- A Philosophy for Living: Section 1
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Follow Epictetus's concept of the study of philosophy – study, yes, but go live your life as well. This discussion class is about understanding why and how we choose to respond to life every day. How or when did we decide what is important to us in living our lives? Not our purpose, but what is the basis of our decisions for living a meaningful, fulfilling life?
Please register for only one section.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- A Philosophy for Living: Section 2
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Follow Epictetus's concept of the study of philosophy – study, yes, but go live your life as well. This discussion class is about understanding why and how we choose to respond to life every day. How or when did we decide what is important to us in living our lives? Not our purpose, but what is the basis of our decisions for living a meaningful, fulfilling life?
Please register for only one section.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- A Visit to the Ahart Herbarium
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Instructor: David Popp
Dates: 10/23/2026 - 10/23/2026
Days: F
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sessions: 1
Location: Chico State Campus (opens in new tab)
Room: Ahart Herbarium Holt Hall 129
Fee for À La Carte Members: $15.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
The Ahart Herbarium at Chico State is the most complete repository of plant specimens from Northern California, containing more than 125,000 dried and mounted plant specimens. This guided visit will show you how herbariums work, what they do, and why they are an important source of information for scientific research.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Acrylic Painting
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This acrylic class is for the absolute beginner as well as more experienced painters. We will follow step-by-step instructions to create our paintings while also learning why and what we are doing. Paintings will be completed over several class sessions. All materials are provided.
There is an additional $135 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
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- Addiction 101
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Substance use disorders are often confusing and frustrating for family, friends, and communities. Learn about the science of addiction, the treatment realities, and the psychopharmacology of common drugs in the North State. This presentation will leave your head spinning with data and brain scans that explain what we know about this complex disease of the brain.
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- Age Well, Drive Smart
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California is facing continuing growth in the number of seniors residing in the state with 8.6 million adults aged 65 and older expected by 2030. The overall goal of the Age Well, Drive Smart program is to ensure older adults have access to continued driver's education and training to help keep roads safe for everyone. Upon completion of this course you will be issued an Age Well, Drive Well certificate that can be presented to your insurance company for a possible discount.
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- Anthropology on Film
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Instructor: Jesse Dizard
Dates: 9/17/2026 - 11/19/2026
Days: Th
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sessions: 10
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Gordon 1
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
This class offers a look at current anthropological research by screening a variety of short films about topics that have been explored by anthropologists at Chico State. Each film will be introduced by the instructor's remarks about its relevance to the broader context of contemporary anthropological discourse. All screenings will be followed by time for questions.
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- Aviation History: Post-World War II Aviation Vignettes
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Instructor: Gary Hendrickson
Dates: 9/15/2026 - 11/17/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sessions: 10
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Bradley 2
Hybrid Class: Zoom Link to be Provided
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
You may choose to attend this hybrid class in person or online. The Zoom link will be provided to all registered participants.
This continuation of personal experiences from the instructor's participation in military, agricultural, and aerial firefighting aviation will include aviation stories from after World War II. This term's vignettes will emphasize the local history of agricultural flying and aerial firefighting.
This class will be recorded.
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- Backyard Stewardship
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Join Butte County Fire Safe Council staff to learn about backyard stewardship at the intersection of wildfire resilience, responsibility, and ecosystem health. The first class session will be in the classroom discussing the Firesafe Council's new guide at backyard scale. The second class session will be outdoors discussing the topics in application to a local backyard.
This class requires additional forms. Review the outdoor class forms information before attending class.
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- Beading Basics: Section 1
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Explore the world of beading while designing your own bracelet. Get to know the tools of the trade and the different types of materials available for jewelry making. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Beading Basics: Section 2
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Explore the world of beading while designing your own bracelet. Get to know the tools of the trade and the different types of materials available for jewelry making. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Beading Basics: Section 3
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Explore the world of beading while designing your own bracelet. Get to know the tools of the trade and the different types of materials available for jewelry making. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Beginning Spanish from Chapter 1
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This class uses a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 1.
The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other booksellers.
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- Beginning Spanish from Chapter 13
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This class uses a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 13.
The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other booksellers.
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- Beginning Spanish from Chapter 7
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This class engages in a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 7.
The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other booksellers.
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- Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Section 1
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The place: a grim Indian urban slum, overshadowed by luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport. The time: 2008-2010. The real-life characters: slum residents with aspirations and energy. The plot: how they struggle and face tensions over religion, caste, sex, power, and economic envy, yet emerge with abiding hope. Using the learning through conversation format, we will discuss equity and inclusion, set in a contemporary international context.
The required book, Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo, is available at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other booksellers. The recommended edition for this class is the paperback edition, ISBN 978-0812979329.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Section 2
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The place: a grim Indian urban slum, overshadowed by luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport. The time: 2008-2010. The real-life characters: slum residents with aspirations and energy. The plot: how they struggle and face tensions over religion, caste, sex, power, and economic envy, yet emerge with abiding hope. Using the learning through conversation format, we will discuss equity and inclusion, set in a contemporary international context.
The required book, Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo, is available at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other booksellers. The recommended edition for this class is the paperback edition, ISBN 978-0812979329.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Cracker Barrel
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Instructor: David Price
Dates: 9/14/2026 - 11/16/2026
Days: M
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sessions: 9
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Bradley 2
Hybrid Class: Zoom Link to be Provided
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
You may choose to attend this hybrid class in person or online. The Zoom link will be provided to all registered participants.
This class includes short presentations (talks, slides, videos) followed by discussions on all sorts of current US and world topics involving history, government, policy, science, technology, literature, education, culture, and many more. Participants are welcome to make presentations, suggest topics, discuss, or just listen. Special guests are also welcome to present.
This class will be live only and not recorded.
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- Creative Journaling
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Come play with color, patterns, and textures. These can be a catalyst for creativity and a way into journaling. You do not have to be an artist. No drawing or painting is required; this is not an art class. There are no rules, and this is not a diary. Journaling is recommended for self-reflection, stress relief, and self-expression, but often is not easy to do. We will use hands-on activities to get unstuck and help you to journal.
There is an additional $55 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting. All materials will be provided; if you have a journal you are currently using, feel free to bring it.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Cuban Folkloric Dance and Music
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"Folkloric" means "for everyone" – all ages, all abilities. If you can walk, you can dance; if you can talk, you can sing. This interactive class weaves together lecture, movement, live percussion, and discussion to explore embodied practices that preserve culture and build community. Participants learn through doing, engaging mind, body, and spirit in traditions that entertain, educate, and strengthen. As a bonus, when you're done, you won't need a trip to the gym.
There is an additional $10 studio fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
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- Dancing Makes You Smarter
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Yes, really. Studies show it's better than crossword puzzles. It's good for your brain, your body, and your social life. We will find our common interest, be it modern dance, social dance, partnering, etc., and enjoy dance together. All levels of experience and abilities welcome.
There is an additional $10 studio fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
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- Democracy's Pillars of Influence
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There are fundamental principles and institutions that uphold democratic governance and serve as essential support for a democracy's associated freedoms and rights. We'll introduce these pillars and how we relate to them. What is their interaction with our own values, our community, and civil society? How can we influence change through them? This topic is relevant for all sociopolitical leanings, and can help empower us to apply effective actions in the civic space.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Estate Planning 101
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This class is designed to assist you in planning the transfer of your wealth to a spouse, children, grandchildren, and any other people or organizations you want to benefit from your estate. OLLI sponsors Dana and Tara Campbell will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different methods for wealth transfer to enable you to make better decisions regarding your own estate. Plan on both lecture and discussion as many exciting things can be learned from information and experiences of participants.
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- Exploring Mixed Media Collage
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Collage is a creative medium accessible to people of all artistic skill levels. We'll explore the world of collage by using different papers and techniques. There is no wrong way to create a collage. It is simply a matter of layering color, texture, and patterns. And it's fun!
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Fairy Tales and Their Tellers
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In this class, we will look at old tales, their tellers and illustrators, and transitions from spoken to written literature. Fairy tales, a.k.a. magic tales, are very old and both stable and shapeshifting. People have enjoyed them in cartoons, Victorian nurseries, peasant huts, and even courts like Versailles. The original, oral forms of magic tales are violent, coarse, and sexually explicit. Sometimes governments, priests, or schoolmarms compelled changes. Sometimes, writers. There will be nine tellers with at least nine tales sent to class members.
This class considers different tales each term. Anticipate increased attention to illustrators and the history of books this term. Tales to expect this term include "Beauty and the Beast," "The Fisherman and His Wife," "The Emperor's New Clothes" and a tale from One Thousand and One Nights.
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- Fitness for Lifetime Mobility: Section 1
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Instructor: Paul Coots
Dates: 10/21/2026 - 11/18/2026
Days: W
Times: 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Sessions: 4
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Bradley 2
Fee for À La Carte Members: $30.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Come ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. We'll practice balance, strength, agility, and flexibility movements that improve your mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome. Your body will thank you!
Wear comfy clothing and bring an exercise or yoga mat, a yoga strap or similar strap, and a yoga block or rolled-up towel.
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- Fitness for Lifetime Mobility: Section 2
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Instructor: Paul Coots
Dates: 10/21/2026 - 11/18/2026
Days: W
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Sessions: 4
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Bradley 2
Fee for À La Carte Members: $30.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Come ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. We'll practice balance, strength, agility, and flexibility movements that improve your mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome. Your body will thank you!
Wear comfy clothing and bring an exercise or yoga mat, a yoga strap or similar strap, and a yoga block or rolled-up towel.
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- France Off the Beaten Path
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Paris, Normandy, Lascaux, and Provence are well traveled areas of France. France is more than those destinations. In this class we will explore five areas that you might not have heard of that are often favorites of the French. From history to culture, food, and heritage, we will discover what makes each worth the detour.
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- Fredrik Backman's And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer
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Fredrik Backman's novella And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer is an ongoing conversation between an elderly man and his young grandson, poignantly relayed in the poetic voice of Grandpa. As the conversation progresses, the reader is intimately drawn into Grandpa's inner world as he meanders into the hazy twilight of dementia. Reading in advance is optional. We will listen to an excellent reading of the book on CD together as a springboard for discussion.
The optional book, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman, is available at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other booksellers.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Golden Beaver Distillery Tasting
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Golden Beaver Distillery is one of only a few distilleries in the country that use primarily rice. Learn about the unique process distiller Kris Koenig uses and how it sets Golden Beaver apart from other distilleries. You will also have the opportunity to taste whiskey, with surprising flavors of the season.
There will be no additional tasting fee for this class.
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- Good Nutrition and Great Taste
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Join this nutrition class to learn about the six nutrients your body needs and how to combine good nutrition with delicious flavor. The class will share ideas about how to choose healthy foods, snacks, and meals. We will also share healthy recipes and ideas for using herbs and spices to optimize great taste. Learn about the importance of consuming balanced meals, what physiological process happens when we skip meals, and grocery shopping tips that will support your health.
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- Great Decisions
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You may choose to attend this hybrid class in person or online. The Zoom link will be provided to all registered participants.
"Great Decisions" is the Foreign Policy Association's public education program about US foreign policy and global affairs. Currently, relations with other nations are undergoing great change; there are new winners and new losers. Old rules don't apply and the world is struggling to make new ones. However, the geographical map of natural resources, manufacturing, trade routes, and population centers has not changed. Join us for a thoughtful examination of the major issues and new directions in foreign policy.
The announced topics for 2026 include Trump tariffs and the future of the world economy, US-China relations, ruptured alliances and the risk of nuclear proliferation, Ukraine and the future of European security, and multilateral institutions in a changing world order. There is an optional study guide available for $35 plus shipping at www.fpa.org. We will discuss four of the 2026 topics and add several discussions as current events develop.
This class will be recorded.
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- Healthier You
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Instructor: Claire McClure
Dates: 9/15/2026 - 10/6/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sessions: 4
Location: Enloe Conference Center (opens in new tab)
Room:
Fee for À La Carte Members: $0.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
Join Enloe Community Health for a lecture series. Each class will cover a unique topic led by a local medical expert from Enloe Health with time for questions. The series is designed to support a healthier you.
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- How Herbarium Specimens Are Mounted
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Instructor: David Popp
Dates: 11/4/2026 - 11/4/2026
Days: W
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sessions: 1
Location: Chico State Campus (opens in new tab)
Room: Ahart Herbarium Holt Hall 129
Fee for À La Carte Members: $15.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
An herbarium is a collection of preserved plant specimens. This class offers a unique hands-on learning experience as an introduction to the art and science of mounting plants. The class will cover how herbarium specimens are mounted, handled, processed, stored, displayed, and repaired. It is useful, but not necessary, to have visited an herbarium before.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Human Evolution
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Are you wondering if some of your friends are part Neanderthal? Was Herb Caen correct when he intimated that Chico is the cradle of civilization? We'll address these questions after a brief introduction to such topics as DNA, natural and artificial selection, and genetics. We can even discuss the question of whether or not we're still evolving and where our species might be heading regardless of the outcome of the next election.
All materials necessary for class discussion will be provided by email or by direction to readily accessible, free online resources.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Intro to Silversmithing: Section 1
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Dive into the world of jewelry fabrication and discover how to create your own sterling silver rings! This is an introductory class on silver soldering where you will learn how to hammer, torch, and polish metals into your very own ring. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
Closed-toe shoes required. No loose clothing. Bring something to tie up loose hair if applicable. There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Intro to Silversmithing: Section 2
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Dive into the world of jewelry fabrication and discover how to create your own sterling silver rings! This is an introductory class on silver soldering where you will learn how to hammer, torch, and polish metals into your very own ring. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
Closed-toe shoes required. No loose clothing. Bring something to tie up loose hair if applicable. There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Intro to Silversmithing: Section 3
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Dive into the world of jewelry fabrication and discover how to create your own sterling silver rings! This is an introductory class on silver soldering where you will learn how to hammer, torch, and polish metals into your very own ring. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
Closed-toe shoes required. No loose clothing. Bring something to tie up loose hair if applicable. There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Introduction to Heart Health
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This class is for non-medical people who have questions about heart-related diagnoses or procedures. The explanations will use diagrams, analogies, and simple language to help you understand how the heart works. This is not a lecture about how you should live, but more on the effects of lifestyle choices.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Jug Band Music
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"Jug Band: a band that uses primitive or improvised instruments (such as jugs, washboards and kazoos) to play blues, jazz, and folk music" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). We'll gather once a week to explore the history of jug bands, and to sing and play jug band songs. This class is less about musicianship, and more about exploring the roots of this great American art form. We'll listen to 1920s and 1930s recordings, and trace jug band influences on modern day music. Then we'll recreate some old-time music!
Although experienced acoustic players are encouraged, you don't have to be a musician to be part of this endeavor. Bring acoustic string instruments, rhythm instruments, and a jug if you have one; or just bring yourself. There will be a basket of rhythm instruments, a bag of kazoos, and a few additional items to use.
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- Learning to Speak Dragon
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Fear and anxiety can feel like facing a dragon – but what if you could learn its language? This class offers an overview of stress and anxiety while teaching you how to understand and work with your body's natural systems to transform panic into peace. Through topics such as the triune brain, mindfulness, heart rate variability (HRV), and the aging brain, you'll gain practical tools to calm your mind, regulate your emotions, and build resilience.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Let's Play Games!: Section 1
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Join us to play games, socialize, and have fun. We have Rummikub, Qwirkle, Sequence, Mexican Train, card games, and more, from the well-known to the obscure. Bring a game to share or just show up and have fun.
Please register for only one section.
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- Let's Play Games!: Section 2
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Join us to play games, socialize, and have fun. We have Rummikub, Qwirkle, Sequence, Mexican Train, card games, and more, from the well-known to the obscure. Bring a game to share or just show up and have fun.
Please register for only one section.
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- Let's Play Improv Games
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Improv is all about being spontaneous and not overthinking, so it's a great exercise for the brain. Plus, it's a lot more interactive than doing crosswords or sudoku, because we play it together. Come stretch your brain and have a lot of fun doing it!
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- Make an Altered Book
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Did you ever want to color, draw, or write in a book as a child? Give yourself free rein in this workshop. You can do all those things and more. It is called an altered book. You can draw or stamp in it; add collage, stickers, ribbon, paper tape, photos, or memorabilia; and much more. We will explore what can be done with a gently used book by altering and embellishing it. This is something you can continue at home.
There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting. All materials will be provided. If you have a gently used book that you would like to use, you are welcome to bring it.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Master Gardener Lecture Series
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California Master Gardeners provide educational outreach from University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) offices throughout the state. The mission of the Butte County Master Gardeners is to extend research-based education and technical assistance throughout the non-commercial gardening community and to foster successful gardening practices by helping individuals make informed decisions about plants, pests, and the environment, with an emphasis on sustainability. Join us as we address a wide range of fascinating subjects.
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- Medicare Updates and Plan Review Workshop
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The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) for Part D prescription drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage plans begins October 15 and ends December 7. This class will offer beneficiaries options for their healthcare needs in the coming year. Passages HICAP Medicare counselors will be on site and ready to perform AEP Part D prescription drug plan comparisons and plan changes for attendees who wish to reevaluate their current plan.
If you are interested in having a Part D prescription drug plan comparison conducted, please bring a list of your prescriptions (including name, dosage, and quantity taken per day) and your Medicare card.
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- Mindfulness for Everyday Living: Building Inner Calm, Clarity, and Compassion
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This experiential workshop teaches practical mindfulness skills to reduce stress, increase emotional well-being, and support a more grounded daily life. Each session includes guided meditation, gentle awareness practices, and group reflection. You will learn mindful breathing, body awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion practices, along with strategies for applying mindfulness during challenging moments. No prior experience is needed. By the end of the class, you will have tools for greater calm, clarity, and resilience.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Navigating Retirement Investing in a Changing Economic Landscape
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Economic conditions constantly change, impacting retirement planning and investment strategies. In this class, Steven Cliadakis from OLLI sponsor Altum Wealth Advisors will explore how shifts in inflation, interest rates, fiscal policy, and geopolitical tensions can affect portfolios. Participants will review various investment options, such as CDs, Treasurys, index funds, ETFs, and others, and learn how to allocate them within diversified portfolios. The class includes insights from leading economists and key principles of portfolio construction and risk management, providing practical guidance to help align investments with personal retirement goals.
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- Oral Health and Longevity
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Your mouth is the front door to your whole body – and what happens there can add years to your life or quietly take them away. In this class, Dr. Kevin Kremer from OLLI sponsor New Smile Now shares what most people are never told: how gum health, missing teeth, and chronic infection connect to heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and longevity. You'll leave with simple, practical habits to protect your health, your independence, and your smile for decades to come. No jargon. Real answers.
This class meets in Bradley 2 on October 7 and 14 and at New Smile Now on October 21.
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- Pickleball
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Play pickleball with other members. In this class, you will receive paddles and balls, enjoy light instruction for beginners, and have plenty of time to practice skills and play games with fellow OLLI members. Whether you're brand new to pickleball or looking to sharpen your game, this fun, social class is a great way to get active and learn one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
There is an additional $100 facility and materials fee payable at the first class.
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- Playing Guitar at Beginning Level 2 and Singing Along
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This class is for people who already know how to play the A-G chords. We play and sing 3-, 4-, and 5-chord songs by Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, the Everly Brothers, and other musicians from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The class is mostly to practice feeling comfortable with playing guitar while singing. There is some instruction on more advanced guitar playing. Bring a guitar, ukulele, or other stringed instrument, or you're welcome to come just to sing along with the class.
Music stand and battery-operated tuner recommended. Songs will be sent out before each class.
This class meets every other week.
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- Poetry for Pleasure
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Reading poetry helps you to know things more fully; it commands your attention; and it can sustain good conversation. In this class, participants select poetry from favorite sources to read aloud with fellow enthusiasts.
This class meets every other week.
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- Reader's Theatre
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Reader's theatre is an easy acting form of theater where actors read the scripts so no memorizing is required. There is minimal physical movement because actors are generally seated while reading the play. The acting is done primarily with the actors' voices, emotions, facial expressions, and gestures. This will be a playful class where we will read a variety of short comic plays with fun characters in silly situations.
Short plays will be emailed to participants each week to print and bring to class.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Recreational Mathematics
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Instructor: LaDawn Haws
Dates: 9/17/2026 - 11/19/2026
Days: Th
Times: 3:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Sessions: 10
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Bradley 1
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
While some people might consider "recreational mathematics" an oxymoron, this class will pursue the enjoyable aspects of math. Be prepared to be an engaged participant in this class with interactive demonstrations and exploration through drawing, cutting things with scissors, and other activities. Most activities will have a historical context. This class will show you how to find interest, enjoyment, and appreciation of mathematics in the world surrounding you.
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- Sing Gospel Music
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Sing and/or play popular gospel songs. Bring your voice, guitar, violin, cello, harmonica, squeeze box, or other instrument and join a group of people singing and playing for fun. This is not meant to be religious. It's just a place to enjoy great music. Join us!
This class meets every other week.
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- Singing A Cappella in Four-Part Harmony for Women's Voices
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Experience the joy of singing four-part harmony, barbershop style! In this class we will choose your singing range (bass, baritone, lead, or tenor). Splitting the class into four groups by range, you will learn your part with your group. Next, we'll bring the groups together and sing the songs, hearing the harmonic blend of chords. No experience in four-part harmony is required, just the ability to sing a simple song (such as "Happy Birthday") in tune.
This class is for women only.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Sketchbook Journaling
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Registration in this class is restricted to participants who meet the prerequisites. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below to request to be added to this class.
Sharpen your drawing and watercolor skills as we paint and sketch together on a variety of subjects. The purpose of this class is to provide a supportive community for those who work to keep their journal practice alive. We will share ideas and sometimes our favorite art materials, the ones that make this practice all the more fun. With seasonal sights available to us as examples, plan on some brilliant pages in your sketchbook.
This class requires a strong skill level. Only prior students or those who submit their work to the instructor for consideration will be admitted.
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- Solving Moral Dilemmas
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Instructor: Becky White
Dates: 9/14/2026 - 11/16/2026
Days: M
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Sessions: 9
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Gordon 1
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
In this class you will learn the nature and characteristics of a moral or ethical dilemma, along with a technique for identifying, addressing, and solving the dilemma. New dilemmas will be provided for each class period. You will be encouraged, but not required, to bring your own suitably anonymized dilemmas to class for discussion and analysis.
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- Spanish Composition and Conversation
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This class covers writing and conversation in Spanish. The class will be conducted mostly in Spanish; English may be used for support. Participants will have the opportunity to speak and to write short compositions for review and discussion. The class may have native speakers and professional Spanish educators as guest speakers. There is nothing like having a professional Spanish educator to help learn Spanish conversation.
There is an additional $25 materials and speaker fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
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- Spanish Songs
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Join us to learn to sing songs in Spanish. Lyrics and audio files will be provided to help you learn.
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- Spiritual Principles
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Spiritual principles are ways of being, doing, and thinking that help us move through life with greater awareness. They are an inner compass helping us to respond to challenges with clarity and purpose. These are fundamental truths from many traditions.
We will explore the following principles this term: acceptance and letting go, forgiveness for self, gratitude reboot, everything is energy, and divine paradox.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Stansbury Home Tour
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Instructor: Elizabeth Carrillo
Dates: 10/9/2026 - 10/9/2026
Days: F
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sessions: 1
Location: The Stansbury Home (opens in new tab)
Room:
Fee for À La Carte Members: $15.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
Located at the corner of Fifth and Salem Streets, the Stansbury Home was built by Dr. Oscar Stansbury, a local physician, in 1883. Owned by the City of Chico since 1976, it is operated by the Stansbury Home Preservation Association as a historic house museum. This tour will include Dr. Stansbury's office, with its display of the tools used in his practice, as well as rooms used by the Stansbury family with original interiors and furnishings intact.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Stay Safe, Stay Strong
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Join us for an empowering self-defense class designed exclusively for OLLI members. In this fun, dynamic, safe, and practical session, Senior Grandmaster Azad, renowned for training tens of thousands of people in personal safety, will teach you real-world strategies to protect yourself at home, in public, and beyond. Learn simple but powerful techniques to stay safe, enhance awareness, and defend yourself effectively. This class is for people of all abilities.
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- Table Tennis
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Play table tennis with other members. You will receive paddles and balls, get basic instruction on strokes and footwork, and enjoy friendly games with fellow OLLI members. Whether you're completely new to table tennis or returning to a favorite pastime, this fast, fun, low-impact activity is a great way to sharpen your reflexes, stay active, and enjoy time with friends.
There is an additional $50 facility and materials fee payable at the first class.
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- Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention: Section 1
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Tai Chi for Arthritis was developed in 1997 and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis often gets worse without proper exercise. Tai Chi for Arthritis helps to improve muscular strength, flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and clarity of mind. The gentle and slow movements help to improve the flow of energy and healing, and it is enjoyable and calming.
Wear flat shoes and comfortable, loose clothing.
This class meets twice a week.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Tap Dance Is Fun: Section 1
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Tap dance involves rhythmic, percussive, and precise movement of the feet while promoting the flow and individual style of the entire body. Classes will include warm-up, structured movement phrases that will build in complexity, and creative explorations. All levels are welcome. Good standing balance is recommended.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement and tap shoes, preferably with low heel.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Tap Dance Is Fun: Section 2
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Tap dance involves rhythmic, percussive, and precise movement of the feet while promoting the flow and individual style of the entire body. Classes will include warm-up, structured movement phrases that will build in complexity, and creative explorations. All levels are welcome. Good standing balance is recommended.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement and tap shoes, preferably with low heel.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Telling Your Story
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Want to hear some interesting stories? Each class session will feature someone telling their life story. Through listening and honoring each other's journeys, we can connect profoundly. Plus it's just fun to share and learn about one another. There is an option to be recorded and receive a flash drive to pass onto your family or friends. You will be supplied with a list of possible topics to address when giving your talk. Everyone has a story to tell. Come and share yours!
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- The Battle of Vercors: How a Stronghold of the French Resistance Fell
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Vercors, an alpine fortress in the French Alps, saw many French Resistance fighters join the movement in 1944. The fighters were set to disrupt German activities to support the Provence Landing. This class will look at what happened and why through the eyes of the instructor's father, a teen at the time, who was pulled into the Resistance movement at the eleventh hour. We will read excerpts of his book about his unbelievable experience during this battle that remained controversial for many years.
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- The Beatles, the Whole Beatles, and Nothing but the Beatles
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Instructor: LaDawn Haws
Dates: 9/14/2026 - 10/19/2026
Days: M W
Times: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Sessions: 10
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Bradley 2
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
We'll do a deep dive into the Beatles, their history, and the stories behind their songs. We will do a sing-along each week, starting with "Please Please Me" and working our way to "Let It Be." Bring instruments if you want to play along – lyrics and chords will be provided – or just bring yourself if you want to sing along to these amazing oldies. You don't have to be a great singer, just someone who likes to sing.
This class meets twice a week.
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- The Power of Words: Euphemism, Metaphor, and Mindset
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This is a participatory, discussion-based class exploring the hidden assumptions in our language. Does the way we speak influence and manipulate the way we think? Our language is replete with militaristic euphemisms and metaphors, political code words and dog whistles, and hidden assumptions about power, patriarchy, hierarchy, and identity. Many of those words and phrases are so ingrained in our lexicon that we are oblivious to the potentially manipulative power they hold over us and our way of thinking.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Thoughts, Beliefs, Values, and Awareness: Section 1
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The way we live our lives is a reflection of our inner being. This class is for those who want to have a deeper, more fulfilling personal life. There will be writing and discussion exercises that will help get you more in touch with your inner self. We will explore avenues for insights into the question, "Who am I?"
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- Thoughts, Beliefs, Values, and Awareness: Section 2
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The way we live our lives is a reflection of our inner being. This class is for those who want to have a deeper, more fulfilling personal life. There will be writing and discussion exercises that will help get you more in touch with your inner self. We will explore avenues for insights into the question, "Who am I?"
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- Trash and the Neal Road Landfill
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The class will present a brief history of the disposal of trash through time, regulations affecting the disposal of trash, and the history of the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility (landfill). Learn about the recycling and diversion of wastes from the landfill, landfill operations, monitoring, amounts of waste disposed, as well as effects of disasters, electrical power generation, equipment used, and the future of landfill and related topics.
Bring walking shoes (no sandals), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and water as the majority of class will be outside to allow observation of landfill operations. You may also bring a folding chair and clipboard.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Tuesday Tunes
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You may choose to attend this hybrid class in person or online. The Zoom link will be provided to all registered participants.
Start your Tuesday with music and songs. Join us in a fun, informal sing-along. Bring your voices and/or musical instruments. The operative word is "fun." If you like music, you will like this class. All levels welcome!
This class will be live only and not recorded.
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- Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
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This engaging presentation offers information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia, highlighting the latest research and FDA-approved treatments, practical brain health tips, and ways to support people impacted by this disease.
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- United States Politics: An Update
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The premise of this class is that the United States is undergoing unprecedented historical, political, and economic turmoil and crises, underscored by a re-ordering of the post-World War II geopolitical world order. Therefore, in order to understand the current state of things, this class will provide an assessment of United States politics within a historical context. The class will also situate United States politics within the context of the ongoing geopolitical realities.
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- Watercolor Painting
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This watercolor class is for the absolute beginner as well as more experienced painters. We will follow step-by-step instructions to create our paintings while also learning why and what we are doing. All materials are provided.
There is an additional $135 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Watercolor: Beginning
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This class is an introduction to watercolor. We will focus on learning the basics of technique, color mixing, blending, and familiarizing ourselves with the medium of watercolor. Some classes will be dedicated to techniques; in other classes we will be creating finished works. The class will help you to feel more confident in your watercolor practice. All materials are provided.
There is an additional $135 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
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- Welcome to the World of Chi
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This class aims to encourage participants to experience their own "chi field" and learn simple movements that can be used at home to help restore and maintain fluidity, balance, confidence, and resilience. Basic qigong and tai chi forms, coupled with breath awareness, can be helpful in relieving stress and enhancing health and well-being from the inside out. The class is intended to be introductory, but anyone with beginner's mind is welcome to join together in the joy and benefits of the world of chi.
Wear flat shoes and comfortable, loose clothing. All movements can be adapted to be done seated.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- What Is the Vestibular System and How Does It Affect Balance?
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We all know that as we age our mobility declines. Changes in strength and flexibility certainly affect our balance. But what is the purpose of the vestibular system with regard to balance? What are common disorders involving the vestibular system and how can we improve vestibular function as we age? This class will review the anatomy and function of the amazing vestibular system, as well as discuss the functions of the other primary systems – vision and somatosensation – for optimal postural control.
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- Wirework Earrings: Section 1
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Bend, twist, texture, and hammer various wires to build your own earrings! Add bead embellishments or style it your way with wire coils. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Wirework Earrings: Section 2
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Bend, twist, texture, and hammer various wires to build your own earrings! Add bead embellishments or style it your way with wire coils. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Wirework Earrings: Section 3
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Bend, twist, texture, and hammer various wires to build your own earrings! Add bead embellishments or style it your way with wire coils. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Women & Money: Pause Before You Pay to Spot Scams Early
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Join this informative and supportive class from Miste Cliadakis from OLLI sponsor Altum Wealth Advisors designed to help women recognize and avoid common scams. Get up to date on current scams including artificial intelligence (AI) scams, how to recognize them, and steps to take to feel safer.
This class is for women only.
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- World Dance
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Learn fun social dances from around the world, including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Israel, Scotland, and the United States. Line, circle, and couple dances. No partner required.
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- Writer's Workshop
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This writer's workshop serves a community of writers interested in sharing their writing and responding to other writers' work. We will focus on fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, stories for children, and other types of writing. Following a workshop format, this class will be an opportunity for students to receive feedback for their written work and provide meaningful support to fellow writers.
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- Writing Short Plays
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Learn to write a short 10- to 20-minute play. We will cover the basics of playwriting, including format, structure, character, conflict, and dialogue. This is a workshop-style class in which we discuss concepts and techniques, share what we have written, and write short exercises to develop skills. Prompts will be offered to stimulate your ideas. There will be an opportunity for some of the plays to be performed in the annual OLLI Play Festival.
This class meets in person September 15-October 13 and online October 20-November 17.
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- Yoga for You
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This all-levels hatha yoga class welcomes all bodies and abilities. Jeanne teaches "to the room," adapting the practice to meet the needs of those present. Drawing on her background in dance, kinesiology, and massage, she offers a comprehensive, informative, and enjoyable experience. Classes include breathing (pranayama), chanting, yoga philosophy, and asana practice to enhance range of motion and circulation while we stretch, strengthen, and relax.
There is an additional $10 studio fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
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